Emergency Disclaimer: If you or someone else is experiencing chest pain, severe shortness of breath, sudden collapse, loss of consciousness, or other symptoms of a possible heart attack or cardiac arrest, call 911 immediately. Do not delay emergency care or attempt to drive yourself. This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for emergency medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment.
Heart attack and cardiac arrest are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are two different medical emergencies. A heart attack occurs when blood flow to part of the heart becomes blocked, while cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood effectively. A heart attack is primarily a circulation problem, while sudden cardiac arrest is an electrical problem affecting the heart.
Both conditions require immediate medical attention. However, recognizing the difference can help you understand what is happening and what to do while emergency medical services are on the way.
At iCare ER & Urgent Care, our emergency medical team evaluates patients experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, abnormal heart symptoms, and other potentially life-threatening conditions. If you think you or someone around you may be having a heart attack or cardiac arrest, do not wait for symptoms to improve. Call 911 immediately.
What Is a Heart Attack?
A heart attack occurs when blood flow through an artery supplying the heart becomes blocked. Without adequate blood flow and oxygen, the affected heart muscle can begin to suffer damage. The longer the blockage remains untreated, the greater the potential damage to the heart.
Importantly, the heart usually continues beating during a heart attack. A person experiencing one may remain conscious and able to communicate.
Heart attack symptoms can develop suddenly, but they may also begin gradually and become progressively worse.
What Is Cardiac Arrest?
Cardiac arrest happens when the heart’s electrical system malfunctions and the heart suddenly stops pumping blood effectively.
Without circulation, blood cannot adequately reach the brain, lungs, and other vital organs. A person in cardiac arrest typically becomes unresponsive and stops breathing normally or begins gasping. Without immediate treatment, cardiac arrest can become fatal within minutes.
Unlike many heart attacks, someone experiencing cardiac arrest generally cannot communicate or call for help.
Immediate CPR and use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), when available, can be lifesaving.
Heart Attack vs Cardiac Arrest: What’s the Main Difference?
The easiest way to remember the difference is:
Heart attack = circulation problem.
Cardiac arrest = electrical problem.
During a heart attack, blood cannot properly reach part of the heart because of a blockage. The heart usually continues beating.
During cardiac arrest, an electrical malfunction prevents the heart from pumping blood effectively. The person becomes unresponsive and is not breathing normally.
The two conditions are different, but they can also be connected. A heart attack can trigger an abnormal heart rhythm that leads to cardiac arrest, although most heart attacks do not immediately result in cardiac arrest.
Common Heart Attack Warning Signs
Heart attack symptoms are not always dramatic. Some people experience intense symptoms, while others develop milder warning signs.
Common symptoms include:
- Chest pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain
- Pain or discomfort in one or both arms
- Shoulder discomfort
- Back pain
- Neck or jaw discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sweating
- Lightheadedness
- Weakness
- Nausea or vomiting
Chest discomfort is one of the most recognized heart attack symptoms, but it is not the only one. Shortness of breath can occur with or without chest discomfort.
Do not assume symptoms are simply heartburn, indigestion, anxiety, or muscle pain without medical evaluation when a heart attack is possible.
Heart Attack Symptoms in Women
Heart attack symptoms can vary from person to person, and women may experience symptoms that are less immediately recognized as heart-related.
Along with chest discomfort, women may experience:
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Back pain
- Jaw discomfort
- Unusual fatigue
- Lightheadedness
The absence of intense chest pain does not rule out a heart attack.
New, unexplained symptoms that could indicate a heart attack should be treated seriously.
Warning Signs of Cardiac Arrest
Cardiac arrest usually looks very different from a heart attack.
The two major warning signs are:
- Sudden loss of responsiveness
- No normal breathing or only gasping
Someone experiencing cardiac arrest may suddenly collapse and fail to respond when you speak to or tap them.
Gasping should not be mistaken for normal breathing. If someone suddenly collapses, is unresponsive, and is not breathing normally, treat the situation as cardiac arrest and call 911.
What to Do If You Think Someone Is Having a Heart Attack
If you suspect a heart attack, call 911 immediately, even if you are not completely certain.
Do not wait for the pain to become severe or see whether symptoms disappear.
Calling 911 is preferable to driving to the emergency room because emergency medical services can begin assessment and treatment before reaching the hospital. EMS personnel are also prepared to respond if the patient’s condition suddenly deteriorates or cardiac arrest develops.
While waiting for EMS:
- Keep the person as calm and still as possible.
- Follow instructions from the 911 dispatcher.
- Do not allow the person to drive themselves.
- Be prepared to start CPR if the person becomes unresponsive and stops breathing normally.
Fast treatment can reduce the amount of damage to heart muscle during a heart attack.
What to Do During Cardiac Arrest
Cardiac arrest requires immediate action.
If an adult suddenly collapses, does not respond, and is not breathing normally:
- Call 911 or have someone nearby call.
- Begin CPR immediately.
- Have someone retrieve an AED if one is available.
- Use the AED as soon as possible and follow its instructions.
- Continue CPR until emergency medical personnel take over or the person begins showing signs of life.
If two people are available, one can begin CPR while the other calls 911 and retrieves an AED.
An AED analyzes the heart’s rhythm and determines whether a shock is appropriate. Public AEDs are designed to provide instructions to the person using them.
Why CPR and an AED Are So Important
When cardiac arrest occurs, the heart is no longer effectively circulating blood to vital organs.
CPR helps maintain some blood flow until more advanced treatment is available. An AED can deliver an electrical shock when the device detects a heart rhythm that can be treated with defibrillation.
The American Heart Association emphasizes immediate CPR and rapid AED use as essential responses to cardiac arrest.
You should not delay CPR because you are afraid of doing it imperfectly. Follow the 911 dispatcher’s instructions and continue until professional help arrives.
Can a Heart Attack Cause Cardiac Arrest?
Yes, but they are still separate conditions.
A heart attack can disrupt the heart’s electrical activity and trigger a dangerous arrhythmia. If the heart can no longer pump blood effectively, cardiac arrest may occur.
However, most heart attacks do not immediately lead to cardiac arrest. Other heart conditions and electrical abnormalities can also cause sudden cardiac arrest.
This connection is one reason it is so important to call 911 rather than attempting to drive yourself when heart attack symptoms develop.
Should You Go to Urgent Care for Chest Pain?
Potential heart attack symptoms are not appropriate for routine urgent care evaluation.
Call 911 for new or concerning chest pain or pressure, particularly when it occurs with:
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Lightheadedness
- Pain extending into the arm, shoulder, back, neck, or jaw
- Fainting or severe weakness
A suspected heart attack requires emergency evaluation where rapid cardiac testing, monitoring, and treatment can be provided.
Cardiac arrest always requires 911 and immediate emergency response.
What to Expect in the Emergency Room for a Suspected Heart Attack
When a patient arrives with possible heart attack symptoms, the medical team will work quickly to determine whether the heart is being deprived of blood.
Evaluation may include:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
- Blood tests
- Continuous heart monitoring
- Blood pressure and oxygen monitoring
- Chest imaging when appropriate
- Additional cardiac testing based on the patient’s condition
Treatment depends on what providers find and the severity of the condition.
If testing suggests a blocked coronary artery or another serious cardiac problem, the patient may require additional specialized treatment or hospital care.
What Happens After Cardiac Arrest?
Patients who regain circulation after cardiac arrest still require intensive medical evaluation.
Emergency and hospital teams may need to determine what caused the heart to stop and evaluate for complications related to reduced blood flow.
Additional treatment can include:
- Heart rhythm monitoring
- Respiratory support
- Laboratory testing
- Cardiac imaging
- Treatment of the underlying cause
- Hospital admission
Cardiac arrest survivors may also need ongoing cardiac and neurological care depending on the circumstances.
Know Your Heart Attack Risk Factors
Anyone can experience a heart attack, but certain factors increase cardiovascular risk.
These can include:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Family history of heart disease
- Physical inactivity
- Older age
Managing chronic conditions, avoiding tobacco, maintaining regular physical activity when medically appropriate, and attending routine healthcare visits can help support cardiovascular health.
However, having few known risk factors does not mean that new chest pain or other warning signs should be ignored.
iCare ER & Urgent Care: Emergency Evaluation for Heart Symptoms
Chest pain and other possible heart attack symptoms require prompt attention. When cardiac arrest occurs, immediate CPR, AED use, and emergency medical response are critical.
At iCare ER & Urgent Care, our medical team evaluates chest pain, shortness of breath, abnormal heart symptoms, fainting, and other potentially serious medical conditions. With locations in Frisco, Forney, and Fort Worth, patients have access to emergency care when concerning symptoms develop.
If you believe you or someone else is having a heart attack or cardiac arrest, call 911 immediately rather than attempting to drive to an emergency facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a heart attack the same as cardiac arrest?
No. A heart attack occurs when blood flow to part of the heart is blocked. Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood effectively because of an electrical problem.
Can you be conscious during a heart attack?
Yes. Most people remain conscious during a heart attack because the heart usually continues beating. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe chest pain and shortness of breath.
Can you be conscious during cardiac arrest?
A person in cardiac arrest typically becomes unresponsive because the heart is no longer adequately supplying blood to the brain. They will not breathe normally and may only gasp.
When should I call 911 for chest pain?
Call 911 for new or concerning chest pain or pressure, especially when accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, lightheadedness, or pain involving the arms, shoulders, back, neck, or jaw.
What should I do if someone suddenly collapses?
If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, call 911, begin CPR, and use an AED as soon as one becomes available. Follow the 911 dispatcher’s instructions until emergency responders arrive.
Conclusion
Heart attack and cardiac arrest are both life-threatening emergencies, but understanding the difference can help you respond appropriately. A heart attack is a circulation problem caused by blocked blood flow to the heart, while cardiac arrest is an electrical problem in which the heart suddenly stops pumping effectively.
Chest pressure or pain, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, and discomfort in the upper body can indicate a heart attack. Sudden collapse, unresponsiveness, and abnormal or absent breathing are major signs of cardiac arrest.
For either emergency, do not wait and do not rely on urgent care. Call 911 immediately. During cardiac arrest, begin CPR and use an AED if available. Acting quickly can provide the best opportunity for lifesaving treatment.